Translational Centers Using Microphysiologic Systems for Infectious Diseases
This grant supports developing human microphysiologic systems to study infectious diseases and advance drug or biologic product development, aiming to reduce animal testing and improve regulatory acceptance.
This grant was recently updated
This grant has transitioned from forecasted to posted and is now accepting applications.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: January 29, 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $7,000,000 estimated total program funding; 5 expected awards
Summary: Supports a consortium of centers refining human tissue microphysiological systems for infectious disease research, intervention testing, and regulatory acceptance.
Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed.
Description
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports a consortium of Translational Centers using Microphysiological Systems for Infectious Diseases (TCMID) through this U54 cooperative agreement. Centers will refine well-validated human tissue models for studying infectious diseases and testing medical interventions, advancing them toward a level consistent with regulatory qualifications and adoption by product developers.
The program addresses a gap in microphysiological systems development: validation and regulatory-use efforts have not focused on infectious disease models. It aligns with NIH and FDA initiatives to enhance New Approach Methodologies in research and product development. These in vitro systems can capture human variability and patient-specific characteristics, with the goals of accelerating safer treatments, reducing costs, and sparing laboratory animals.
